Anna Lederer Gordon: A Journey From Trinidad To The Playboy Club

Born on the Caribbean island of Trinidad and Tobago, Anna Lederer Gordon's journey is a fascinating tale of cultural identity, ambition, and the pursuit of dreams. Her upbringing was shaped by her diverse heritage—a Hong Kong-Chinese father and a mother with Venezuelan, Indian, and African roots. Attending a convent school during a time when Trinidad and Tobago was a British Colony, Anna felt the weight of British influence in her education. The suppression of her native slang and the imposition of British English left her feeling disconnected from her Trinidadian identity, leading to a pivotal decision at the age of 18 to leave her island home.

After graduating, Anna ventured to New York City with the hope of eventually moving to Paris, a city she adored. Arriving with only a suitcase and limited funds, she was filled with excitement about the vibrant and lively atmosphere of New York. The city was a world of new experiences, and Anna was ready to embrace every moment.

This article delves into her remarkable experiences, from her time at the Playboy Club to her life-changing encounters with celebrities and influential figures. Readers will gain insight into the life of a woman who navigated the complexities of identity, culture, and career in a fast-paced world.

Table of Contents

• Biography
• Life in New York City
• Becoming a Playboy Bunny
• Meeting CEOs, Celebrities, and Mafia Bosses
• Visiting the Playboy Mansion
• Leaving the Playboy Club and Moving to Geneva

Biography

Life in New York City

After arriving in New York, Anna initially stayed with a friend of a friend for two weeks. When it was time to leave, she rented a room in a hotel apartment near Times Square. During the 1970s, New York City was infamous for its high crime and drug rates, which made Anna cautious as she navigated her new environment. To pay for her rent, she found a job at a gift shop at Lincoln Center.

One day, while working at the store, a young actor noticed Anna and encouraged her to apply for a job at the Playboy Club. Feeling unsure about fitting the criteria of a "bunny," she hesitated but ultimately decided to pursue the opportunity.

Becoming a Playboy Bunny

The following day, Anna met with the "Bunny Mother," who was responsible for hiring at the club. After an interview, Anna was asked to try on the bunny costume. Although she felt embarrassed at first, she was thrilled to receive the job offer and couldn't believe her luck.

Her training involved learning how to interact with elite clientele, proper makeup techniques, and how to dress impeccably. Anna enjoyed her role as the "Door Bunny," welcoming guests and making public announcements at the club.

Meeting CEOs, Celebrities, and Mafia Bosses

Many patrons mistook Anna for being from Thailand, leading to an amusing incident where a Thai general wished to meet her. Instead of facing the general, Anna cleverly hid under a table until he left. Throughout her time at the club, Anna had the opportunity to meet a diverse array of fascinating individuals, including CEOs and celebrities.

In addition to her duties at the club, Anna participated in various modeling and fundraising events, enhancing her experiences and connections within the industry.

Visiting the Playboy Mansion

During the early '70s, Anna was invited to the Playboy Mansion, a place filled with scandal and intrigue. Although she had heard negative stories, her visit was filled with fun and excitement as she mingled with famous personalities, including Bill Cosby and Tony Curtis.

Despite being offered drugs and alcohol, Anna chose to decline, finding the atmosphere more fascinating than threatening.

Leaving the Playboy Club and Moving to Geneva

In 1978, Anna decided to leave the glamour of the club behind to pursue a quieter life in Switzerland, where she studied French and international relations. Her journey continued as she dabbled in photographic modeling and formed friendships that enriched her life.

Anna later returned to New York to organize a reunion for her fellow bunnies, showcasing the diverse paths they took after leaving the club.

Today, Anna reflects fondly on her time at the Playboy Club, expressing gratitude for the connections she made and the lessons she learned along the way. She continues to live in New York City, working on a memoir that captures her unique experiences.

All views expressed in this article are the author's own.